Zoë Kravitz recently shared her thoughts on a specific aspect of the popular ’90s TV show ‘Friends’ that she believes did not age well. The actress, who stars alongside Austin Butler in the movie ‘Caught Stealing,’ set in 1998 New York City, reflected on the past decade in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. Kravitz, 36, expressed her nostalgia for various elements of the ’90s, from answering machines to VHS tapes, noting how she and Butler, 34, enjoyed revisiting that era during the filming of their movie.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/zoe-kravitz-friends-tv-show-082625-4e70cce8ebf84279a89c5231ec6b9056.jpg)
In their discussion, Kravitz revealed her fondness for the fashion and aesthetic of the ’90s, including the grunge style that was prevalent in New York City at the time. However, when asked about something she would prefer to leave in the past, she mentioned “Super homophobic jokes on mainstream television,” specifically mentioning the sitcom ‘Friends.’ This comment sparked further conversation between Kravitz and Butler, who seemed surprised by her observation but agreed that some aspects of the show did not age well.
The issue of outdated and insensitive content in ‘Friends’ is not new and has been acknowledged by the show’s creators in the past. Marta Kauffman, one of the co-creators, admitted in a 2019 interview with USA Today that upon rewatching episodes, there were jokes and storylines she wished could have been handled differently. Similarly, David Schwimmer, who portrayed Ross in the series, defended the show’s progressive themes at the time of its airing, but also acknowledged the need to reassess some of its content through a contemporary lens.
Despite its enduring popularity, ‘Friends’ has faced criticism in recent years for its lack of diversity and insensitivity in certain storylines and jokes. The show’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and themes, in particular, has been a focal point of discussions around its cultural impact. Kravitz’s comments add to the ongoing conversation about the importance of re-evaluating media from the past and holding it accountable for its representation of marginalized communities.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve and embrace more inclusive narratives, retrospective assessments of beloved shows like ‘Friends’ become essential. Kravitz’s candid remarks highlight the significance of reflecting on our media consumption and acknowledging the need for progress in representation and storytelling. By recognising and discussing the shortcomings of past popular culture, we can strive towards creating a more inclusive and respectful entertainment landscape for future generations.